Tennis-Sinner's health comes into focus ahead of U.S. Open

Aug 16, 2025; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Jannik Sinner (ITA) reacts after returning a shot against Terence Atmane (FRA) during the Cincinnati Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images/File Photo

(Reuters) -Top-ranked Jannik Sinner arrives at the U.S. Open as the defending champion and a leading contender, though his withdrawal from the Cincinnati final on Monday due to illness adds a measure of uncertainty to his title defence.

The Italian looked off from the outset of his match against rival Carlos Alcaraz and, after quickly falling behind 5-0 in the first set, retired from the match, saying he "didn't feel great" and apologising to the disappointed fans in Ohio.